This Democratic National convention is one that will definitely go down in history. On Monday night, Senator Ted Kennedy, despite his ailments, addressed the nation with all of his heart and soul. He spoke of his vision and why he supports Senator Barack Obama. Sen. Kennedy inspired me to be courageous in the face of difficulties by his years of leadership, sacrifice and determination for the people of America. He demonstrated that he has the true Heart of a Lion. On the first day, a legend in his own right, he set the pace as we sail on the path to unify our party. I'm blessed that I had an opportunity to meet U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy, and our nation has been blessed by his years of dedicated service.

I filled with pride as our next First Lady Michelle Obama approached the stage. I watched her represent her husband, addressing the nation with confidence and humility. Watching this proud wife and dutiful mother on stage, I could not help but think about all the women who have had a major impact on my life. I thought about my wife, my own mother, my aunts and grandmothers. I thought about my campaign manager and my volunteers. It became even more clear to me that women are are the backbone of the world. I anticipate hearing from one of the most intelligent women in the world, Sen. Hillary Clinton tonight.

Change is in the air, and I want to be a part of that aroma. This change is a battle that we must win. It is a long and difficult journey, but one that is absolutely worth winning. And we will not be victorious without the time of dedicated volunteers, and the money to make our opponents' war chests insignificant.

I look forward to serving this great nation in Washington, D.C. and being an influential voice for the Everyday Citizen.

Thank all of you for giving me this opportunity, and a special thanks to Pam Pohly for your words of inspiration. Please check out my new website, launching later on this week. (www.betts4congress.com).

I am pleased to be back here to visit my friends on Everyday Citizen. As I speak to citizens all over the Fourth Congressional district in Kansas, I'm amazed at how people are ready to get involved and take a stand for our economic future.

Whether it be in towns like Howard, Sedan, and Eureka, or in cities like Wichita, people are ready for a change. Partisan bickering, political rhetoric and wedge issues have diverted us from our true mission. A mission that would enhance the quality of life for all Americans, by regenerating a vibrant economy that supports a proper healthcare and education system.

If we are to get away from our dependence on foreign oil, it is imperative that we work together to conserve, and create alternative energy sources for the future. T. Boone Pickens said it best: "We have walked into a trap." We must support alternatives like wind, natural gas, solar, and biofuels because we can not just dig our way out of this crisis. Our blank-check policy with foreign oil has driven us into an economic crisis. As the next Congressman for the 4th District of Kansas, I will work to create innovative ways that provide a balance to our energy needs.

The economic picture is particularly daunting for the everyday citizen. Big Oil's profits no longer border on the obscene. They ARE obscene!

Yesterday, while I canvassed door to door, I ran into a gentlemen who identified his number one issue as education. He was concerned about No Child Left Behind (NCLB), and the rising cost of a college education. I couldn't agree with him more.

The goal of NCLB is the right one, but the law has significant flaws. Unfulfilled funding promises, inadequate implementation, and shortcomings in the law itself have limited its effectiveness. I had to ask myself, is this policy preparing our children to compete with Asia and elsewhere? The answer is NO. NCLB does not take into consideration the multiple measures needed so the very gifted, the physically and mentally disabled and the disadvantaged are tested according to their situation in life. I am also concerned about the teachers. It is my firm belief that many teachers get involved in this profession because they want to make a difference in the life of a child. Not because of the pay, glory or prestige, but because they care. Teachers cannot be creative and teach students according to their abilities because they are "forced to teach to the test".

It is unfair and unworkable for Congress to burden school districts with this complex and staff-intensive program and then not completely fund it.

As I travel across the 4th Congressional District, I'm amazed at how much we have in common. We share many of the same hopes and dreams. We want a better America than we have now. Everyone is concerned about the rising price of gasoline, keeping a roof over their heads, health care costs and the ability to get an affordable education. This election cycle is probably one of the most, if not the most, important in American history. My wife, Tania, and I have not been married long, but one day we want to have children, and I worry about what kind of world they (and your children and grandchildren) will inherit.

My vision for the future is to make Kansas and America the best place in the world to raise a family. I believe that with young leaders dedicated to that vision, we can provide American families with proper health care, an excellent education and a vibrant economy. It is during these tough times I hear many young people complain about the increases in college tuition, gasoline, and rising grocery prices.

As we observe Independence Day, Americans' thoughts turn to liberties guaranteed by the Constitution. A glimpse of the flag waving also brings to mind acts of courage by our men and women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

While we are at the ballpark, at the lake, or at a backyard barbecue this week, let us not forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to give us the security to reach our own greatest aspirations.